Proposal/request for comment: codifying policy for handle changes
Oct 27, 2011, 6:27 am
#46
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Oct 27, 2011, 8:27 am
#47
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Unfortunately, it turns out that under the handle is not logistically feasible.
I would be very surprised if one would have to re-add the new handle to one's ignore list. I would fully expect any ignore-list selections to carry over (it's probably handled behind the scenes by user number rather than by specific text-based name).
I would be very surprised if one would have to re-add the new handle to one's ignore list. I would fully expect any ignore-list selections to carry over (it's probably handled behind the scenes by user number rather than by specific text-based name).
My concern about 30 days is that for some, it's easy to be away from FT for 30 days, between travel and such. Is there any reason why one would be opposed to 60 or 90 days?
Oct 27, 2011, 8:55 am
#48
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I'm not opposed to longer, but I think current policy is 30 days. I'm not sure there's enough reason to make it significantly longer, but am certainly willing to listen if there's a groundswell of support.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Oct 27, 2011, 1:22 pm
#49
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How many handle changes have been requested and how many have been approved over the last 12 months? The last 24 months? 36? I'd like to understand how often these requests are made. I can't imagine it's that frequent that the TalkBoard needs to weigh in on this.
Oct 27, 2011, 2:19 pm
#50
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Oct 27, 2011, 3:22 pm
#51
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jackal, are you saying this is an exception and no longer possible on FT? I knew in this particular example, the poster had a handle change not long after the original signup date in 2008 (within weeks, if not months).
Oct 27, 2011, 4:43 pm
#52
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Hey guess what- that was the FTer I remember. Looks like they've had that title for several years now. 
Oct 28, 2011, 8:41 am
#53
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Oct 28, 2011, 12:16 pm
#54
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jackal, are you saying this is an exception and no longer possible on FT? I knew in this particular example, the poster had a handle change not long after the original signup date in 2008 (within weeks, if not months).
Oct 28, 2011, 12:27 pm
#55
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Under the handle vs. Signature...
I just saw another thread today, which could highlight the consistency issue.
I have no idea when this OP changed the handle but in this case, said FTer has no "Formerly Known as" notation under the handle. Without reading the signature line, I wouldn't have known the handle previously associated with this person.
That brings about another confusion in consistency. Do FTers themselves get to choose between shown under the handle and signature when they request handle change? Why some have "former user name" under their handles (as my example in post#51) while some don't? Is that an admin's decision or users'?
I am aware whoever meets the 90/90 can set up her/his own signature. So the signature option is not really an either-or choice. It appears to me under the handle notation should be a system default. I just don't understand why it is not applied to those who ever had a handle change?
ETA:
Just saw SanDiego1K's post. Carol and I happened to be replying at the same time, while I worked, well, much slower.
Still, how the notation works (personal requests, timeframe...etc) is not fully covered in current TOS on handle change. More clarification of such TOS will certainly reduce unnecessary confusion.
I have no idea when this OP changed the handle but in this case, said FTer has no "Formerly Known as" notation under the handle. Without reading the signature line, I wouldn't have known the handle previously associated with this person.
That brings about another confusion in consistency. Do FTers themselves get to choose between shown under the handle and signature when they request handle change? Why some have "former user name" under their handles (as my example in post#51) while some don't? Is that an admin's decision or users'?
I am aware whoever meets the 90/90 can set up her/his own signature. So the signature option is not really an either-or choice. It appears to me under the handle notation should be a system default. I just don't understand why it is not applied to those who ever had a handle change?
ETA:
Just saw SanDiego1K's post. Carol and I happened to be replying at the same time, while I worked, well, much slower.
Still, how the notation works (personal requests, timeframe...etc) is not fully covered in current TOS on handle change. More clarification of such TOS will certainly reduce unnecessary confusion.
Last edited by lin821; Oct 28, 2011 at 12:37 pm Reason: ETA
Oct 28, 2011, 1:00 pm
#56
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Oct 28, 2011, 1:18 pm
#57
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It is still technically possible but it requires admin to make a data entry and then remember to remove it at the time agreed upon. There is no automated process for either step. This is a superb example of why I prefer to request the member to show it as his/her signature for 30 days, rather than expect admin to remember to do so. I believe that this member was told that the former handle had to be shown for 30 days - but here it is, years on, and it's never been removed. (And if that member is reading this, and wants that note removed, please message me.)
Oct 28, 2011, 1:59 pm
#58
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As for the case how FT does NOT differentiate apostrophe, hypens, and underscore in handles, please join the party over Technical Issues Forum.
Oct 28, 2011, 3:27 pm
#59
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I, too, am not opposed to longer but like Sharon am not fully convinced the need for longer exists.
I share your confusion.
jackal, are you saying this is an exception and no longer possible on FT? I knew in this particular example, the poster had a handle change not long after the original signup date in 2008 (within weeks, if not months).
jackal, are you saying this is an exception and no longer possible on FT? I knew in this particular example, the poster had a handle change not long after the original signup date in 2008 (within weeks, if not months).
Oct 28, 2011, 3:32 pm
#60
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It is still technically possible but it requires admin to make a data entry and then remember to remove it at the time agreed upon. There is no automated process for either step. This is a superb example of why I prefer to request the member to show it as his/her signature for 30 days, rather than expect admin to remember to do so. I believe that this member was told that the former handle had to be shown for 30 days - but here it is, years on, and it's never been removed. (And if that member is reading this, and wants that note removed, please message me.)
If you are going to make a requirement to publicize a change, it should be in a form that everyone can see.